Alabama Corrections Department selling more land to fund improvement projects

The Alabama Department of Corrections is selling three parcels of land around Limestone Correctional Facility as part of its ongoing effort to generate more funds for deferred maintenance and capital improvements.

According to a department news release, the largest parcel of land is 185 acres and the minimum required bid is nearly $5.1 million. Another adjacent parcel contains 122 acres; the minimum bid is nearly $3.4 million. The third parcel contains 120 acres; the minimum bid is $3.3 million.

"Lands at Limestone have previously been used for farming. However, substantial growth in the region, to include the addition of thousands of jobs associated with the Department of Defense base realignment plans at Redstone Arsenal make this a prime spot for real estate development, both commercial and residential," the department news release stated.

"This is the latest in a series of land sales our department is proceeding with to convert unused property to capital," said Corrections Commisioner Richard Allen. "We plan to use all proceeds to make much needed and long overdue improvements at our facilities."

Allen said ongoing improvement projects include sewer and plumbing renovations at Holman Correctional Facility near Atmore, a new kitchen at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, a new dorm for the Decatur Work Release Center, "and much more is needed."

The prison system is overcrowded, needs additional staffing, and is already dealing with a budgetary shortfall.